Reading the Intention for the Fast of Nisfu Syaban and Qadha Ramadan, What is the Ruling?

Kapanlagi.com - The month of Syaban, a month full of meaning in the Hijri calendar, serves as a bridge between the months of Rajab and Ramadan. In this special month, Muslims are encouraged to increase their worship, including performing the Sunnah fast of Nisfu Syaban.

However, for those who still have debts of Ramadan fasts, a common question arises: is it permissible to combine the intention of the fast of Nisfu Syaban with the qadha Ramadan fast? In this regard, scholars' opinions are divided into several important views that need to be understood, so that we can carry out our worship correctly.

This article will thoroughly discuss the intention for the fast of Nisfu Syaban, the intention for qadha Ramadan, the ruling on combining the two, as well as the virtues of fasting in Syaban based on hadith and the views of scholars.

1. The Virtue of Nisfu Syaban Fasting in Islam

Nisfu Syaban fasting is a highly recommended Sunnah worship in Islam, especially because of the virtues contained within it. On the night of the middle of the month of Syaban, known as a night full of mercy and forgiveness, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged his followers to fast and perform prayers.

In a hadith narrated by Ibn Majah, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"When the night of Nisfu Syaban comes, pray and fast during the day, for Allah will send down His forgiveness on that night, from sunset until morning..." (HR. Ibn Majah).

From this hadith, scholars conclude that Nisfu Syaban fasting has its own value in obtaining the mercy and forgiveness of Allah SWT. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself is reported in many narrations to have frequently increased his fasting during the month of Syaban compared to other months outside of Ramadan.

By observing the Nisfu Syaban fast, it is hoped that Muslims can prepare themselves to welcome Ramadan in a better condition, both spiritually and mentally.

2. Reading the Intention for Nisfu Syaban Fasting and Qadha Ramadan

Like other fasting rituals, the fasting of Nisfu Syaban and qadha Ramadan has a specific intention that needs to be stated before dawn. Here is the reading of the intention:

Intention for Nisfu Syaban Fasting:

nawaitu shauma syahri syabani sunnatan lillahi ta'ala.

Meaning: "I intend to fast in the month of Syaban as a Sunnah for the sake of Allah Ta'ala."

Intention for Qadha Ramadan Fasting:

nawaitu shauma ghadin 'an qadha'i fardhi ramadhana lillahi ta'ala.

Meaning: "I intend to fast tomorrow as a replacement for the obligatory Ramadan fast for the sake of Allah Ta'ala."

The intention for qadha fasting must be made at night before dawn, while the intention for Sunnah fasting can be made until just before the time of Dhuhr as long as one has not done anything that invalidates the fast.

3. Is It Permissible to Combine Nisfu Syaban Fasting with Qadha Ramadan?

There are differing opinions among scholars regarding the ruling on combining obligatory and Sunnah fasts with one intention. These opinions are divided into two:

• First opinion: The obligatory fast (qadha Ramadan) should not be combined with the Sunnah fast. Scholars like Abu Yusuf and several others argue that in obligatory worship, the intention must be specific to that act of worship for it to be valid.
• Second opinion: Combining the qadha Ramadan fast and the Sunnah fast is allowed, and a person can gain rewards from both. This opinion is put forth by Imam Ibn Hajar al-Haitami and supported by Imam Ramli.

The second opinion is supported in the book Fathul Mu’in, which states that a person still receives the reward for the Sunnah even if their primary intention is for qadha Ramadan.

However, some scholars like Sheikh Muhammad bin Salih Al-Uthaymeen recommend that it is preferable to complete the qadha fast first before performing the Sunnah fast.

4. Schedule for Nisfu Syaban Fasting 1446 H

Nisfu Syaban fasting can be performed in the middle of the month of Syaban, specifically on the 15th of Syaban. However, Muslims are also allowed to fast on other days throughout this month. Here is the schedule:

• Friday, January 31, 2025: 1 Syaban 1446 H
• Saturday, February 1, 2025: 2 Syaban 1446 H
• Friday, February 14, 2025: 15 Syaban 1446 H

It is recommended not to fast after the 15th of Syaban except for those who have a regular habit of fasting or are making up for missed Ramadan fasts.

5. Questions and Answers Regarding Nisfu Syaban Fasting and Ramadan Qadha

Q: Is it obligatory to perform Nisfu Syaban fasting?

A: It is not obligatory, but it is highly recommended because it has many virtues.

Q: Is it permissible to fast Nisfu Syaban without having sahur?

A: It is permissible, as long as one has the intention since the night before or before the time of Dhuhr, as long as they have not done anything that invalidates the fast.

Q: Which is more preferable, Nisfu Syaban fasting or Ramadan qadha?

A: Making up for missed Ramadan fasts is more preferable because it is obligatory, while Nisfu Syaban fasting is sunnah.

Q: What if I want to combine the intention of qadha fasting and Nisfu Syaban?

A: Some scholars allow it, but it is better to complete the Ramadan qadha first before performing sunnah fasting.

(kpl/rmt)